MBABANE: The Eswatini Conference of Churches, League of African Churches and the Council f Swaziland Churches have condemn the church leaders who defied the rules and regulations put in place to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The church bodies in a joint statement raised their concerns regarding reports that there were church leaders found to have contravened the COVID-19 Regulations.

“We trust that authorities will deal with the issue and at the same time the church is aware of the vacuum that has been created by the pandemic and the restrictions on church gatherings. It is for this reason that we appreciate the clergy/pastors who continue to take care of the psychological and spiritual needs of the people,” reads part of the statement signed by Bishop Robert Kasaro, Achdeacon Bhekithemba Magongo and Bishop Samson Hlatswako.